By:Muhammed Lamin Ceesay
Final Year Political Science
University of The Gambia
In the wake of what is expected to be a fierce political battle in 2026, Gambians home and abroad anticipate for the fulfillment of their individual and collective desires- with some advocating for a change in government while others endorse a re-election of the incumbent. As fierce as it is, already, both anti and pro government electorates are on the edge of their seats, asking questions regarding the possibility of a part-time politician winning over the bases of the main players and making his way to No. 1 Marina Parade in 2026.
While this may be the new questions infiltrating the political discourse recently; many are also showing no sign of panic and much concern. For these people, it is a near-impossible situation to have anyone outside the three main players: NPP, UDP, GDC, or a possible coalition that UDP must endorse. As both NPP and UDP supporters and members continue to label the part-time politicians as “mere distractors”, many people took to their social media platforms to show support and praises for them, showing their desires to have a President outside the big three.
In the build up to the 2021 elections, many new parties were formed and many individuals declared their intentions to run for the highest office, but their dreams came to an abrupt end even before they started. Many of these parties and persons succeeded in joining the incumbent which led to a landslide victory of over 200,000 thousand votes. While the oppositions at the time denied the results of the elections, except the PDOIS and NUP, the results remained unchanged even after the UDP’s petition was thrown out of court due to “technicalities”.
It is significant to note that the UDP immediately bounced-back from the landslide defeat to gaining significant momentum in the local government elections and the parliamentary elections respectively. This made most of them renew their denial of the 2021 elections. The UDP in their quest to remain relevant tested the courts in several occasions accusing the state of breaking the laws and calling out alleged irregularities in state institutions and parastatals. The party held several rallies to talk to its supporters and reiterated the party’s position in staying very active in the political space. While the UDP has already lost five (5) elections since its formation, it has never relented in making sure it stayed relevant and active, thus forcing many to predict a UDP government in the near future.
The GDC since its first participation in the historic 2016 elections, made significant strides in maintaining a base in most parts of the country. Despite the Challenges to go toe-toe with bigger parties like the NPP and UDP, GDC remains a key element in the political discourse, often holding the government accountable through public sensitizations and political rallies. While this party continues to grow, many regard it is as the third biggest political party in The Gambia.
The APRC though now two factions, still continue to stay relevant as they are very significant in terms of numbers. Their marriage with the incumbent is said to have added a lot of value to the sitting government. While most anticipate that the two factions come together; there’s equally a good number that wish for the faction opposing the Hon. Tombong Jatta’s faction join UDP.
While we focus more on the parties with “numbers”, we must equally add PDOIS to the argument. PDOIS is regarded as a unique party with a unique set of values and principles. Despite its recognition as one of the best when it comes to presenting the electorates with real-time information on how the country can be better; most critics and realists accused them of being reluctant to change, asking them to do as the others if they are to have any possibility to make their way to the highest office. But the right honorable Sidia Jatta one of its founders is quoted saying: why will you change the truth?
The turn-around under the learned lawyer Mr. Essa Faal, made a surprise appearance in the 2021 elections and managed 2.0% of the votes casted. With lot of criticisms from both the incumbent party and oppositions; criticizing him of making a premature appearance at the time, the learned lawyer immediately disappeared from the scene of active politics but made an appearance three years after to renew his bid for the presidency. As he look forward to build on his previous performance, he criticized both the incumbent party and the main opposition UDP of being one and the same party with no much difference. With his appearance, many are calling him a part-time politician and arguing that he doesn’t stand a chance to win in 2026.
Putting in context the above summary of the present political institutions, a change of mindset towards this parties is demanded by part-time politicians who continue to ask for the complete boycott of these parties as “they are all the same”. It is important to note that the personalities responsible for the running of UDP, NPP, and GDC are year-round politicians, with the respective parties having fixed bases all over the country.
Many who predict a total collapse of these parties premise their argument on the possibility of the part-time politicians breaking into the bases of these parties, while the other side premise their argument on the historical account of election results and a near-impossible scenario of any person winning outside these three major parties.
As we anticipate for a tense election, parties continue to make their points heard and this time UDP and many others registering their total lack of confidence in the present IEC leadership. Many of whom continue to be confident that the only blockage on their route to the high office is the IEC.
While the space is being occupied by different perspectives, Gambians continue to anticipate for a free, fair and transparent election process.
